welcome

Beautiful city of Saranda is the largest settlement on the Albanian Riviera and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Albania.The city of Saranda is the south-western part of Albania, on the Ionian seacoast. It faces the Greek island of Corfu that is about twenty six km away.

Nature and Climate

Like the other tourist spots of Albania, Saranda exhibits a gentle Mediterranean climate with over three hundred sunny days a year. The daytime summer temperature rarely exceeds thirty degrees Celsius, and a mild breeze blows from the ocean by night.

History and Sights

History, Saranda was referred to as Onchezmus, The name was given to the city by its primary settlers, the Illyrian tribe of Chaonians. The poet and philosopher Cicero describes this ancient city as “a convenient harbor with favourable winds blowing in it”. The picturesque bay of Saranda provides a spectacular view of the city.

In the Saranda suburban area, archaeologists discovered mosaics that prove that the city was the cultural center of the region in the second – third century AD.

Not far from Saranda are the “Blue eye” natural springs and the ruins of the traditional town of Butrint. This is one of the most important archeological finds in Albania, now included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The ancient city of Finich is located close to Saranda. According to Edwin Jaque, the territory of this town included the largest Acropolis in the ancient world; seven times larger than the Acropolis in Athens.

5 Reasons to go to Saranda

- Visit Butrint -  “a heavenly, beautiful place”, 20km from Saranda central

- Go on mountain hikes

- Spend a couple of days on the magnificent beaches of the Ionian sea 

- Admire the charming view of the Saranda bay from the sea, on a small yacht cruise. 

- Visit the ancient city of Finich and see the largest ancient Acropolis of Europe 

- Enjoy the comfortable and luxurious hotels of Saranda and the hospitality of local people

  

"Blue Eye" spring 18 km north-east of Saranda. At this beautiful spot, shaded by centuries old oak trees, a twelve headed dragon, according to the legend , jeausly guarded and held back the spring waters from the villagers. Consequently, pagan rituals were carried out by sacrificing young voluptuous maidens to the gods of the same waters.

  








Ksamili

The village of Ksamili is near Sarande. It has a beautiful beach with several small islands you could swim to. The bus from Sarande serves both Ksamili and Butrint. Ksamili is now heavily developed, with a large number of part-completed properties. An extraordinary sight is that some of these new buildings are toppling over; this is believed to be where buildings have gone up without permission, and the police have sabotaged the building by pulling out a couple of upright pillars, leaving the owner to clear up the damage.






Butrint
Just outside of Ksamili, lies Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Butrint was an ancient city throughout Greek, Roman, bishopric and Byzantine periods. The city was finally abandoned during the Middle Ages perhaps due to the marsh surrounding and subsequent malaria epidemic.
Despite being one of the greatest classical cities of the Mediterranean, Butrint remains largely unknown. The current archaeological site includes an impressive Roman amphitheater, a Byzantine Basilica (the largest in the world after Hagia Sophia in Istanbul), a Roman temple with mosaic floor, a beautifully carved lion's gate as well numerous constructions built throughout the periods. Furthermore, what you see is just 15 per cent of what lies beneath. As of summer of 2005, there is an international archaeological team performing excavations at Butrint which can be observed inside the park. 

Eat

Sarandë is bustling with restaurants, cafes and bars. Fast food places offer a surprisingly cheap and tasty variety of options: 1 euro will usually get you a good souvlaki (usually pork) or a very nice crepe. Look out for yoghurt flavoured ice cream on the boardwalk, near the tourist info office. In Ksamil, there are a few places you can eat at. At least 4 restaurants in Ksamil are open year-round, but in the summer there are a lot more options and many are just seconds from the beach.
If you go to Sarandë, you must try the fish, since Sarandë is next to the sea, restaurants that are located next to water would be the best because those are the places that usually have fresh fish. You should also try the squid, mussel, and shrimp. You should try them in different cooking styles, not just fried. The best time to eat sea products is after a nice long day of swimming.

Drink

Wine,beer,Albanian Raki, the local firewater.

Sleep

• Backpackers SR, Rruga Mithat Hoxha Num 10, Lagja 4 Sarande, 7500 (*Directions from Bus - From the bus stop walk downhill towards the sea, when you reach the promenade turn right on to Ionianet street and walk to the eucalyptus in the center of the road and turn left and 50 metres on the right you will see a yellow and grey building No. 10. At the dark brown door, ring the bell (Tomi) six minute walk. *Directions from the Corfu ferry - Exit the customer area, walk up the ramp, turn right and 50 meters in front you should see a yellow and grey building with an internet cafe on the ground floor. Look for the dark brown door to the left of the creppe shop. Ring the bell named Tomi. One minute walk.), ☎ 00355694345426, [2]. Centrally located in the heart of town, close to everything Saranda has to offer. Bus route 6 min walk, Corfu ferry 1 min, Bus st. to Ksamil/Butrint 1 min, Bus st. to Greece 2 min, beach in front of the hostel, the famous promenade (xhiro) on our doorstep, the farmers market, fresh fruits & vegs 1 min. Open year-round. 14 dorm beds in a new building. Free breakfast. Free wifi. Kitchen. Free Security lockers. Free linen & bedsheets. Free coffee and tea. Roof terrace. Beach BBQ dinners in front of the hostel in the summer. Run by Tomi, a local resident, who is such a nice and helpful guy. He will make you feel right at home by going out of his way to help you out. Knows lots of information about day trips to Butrint and the Blue eye. 11 euro. 
• The Hairy Lemon, ☎ +355 69 355 9317. A small 18 bed hostel run by a great Irish lady. Has hot shower, laundry, free breafast, 24 hour tea and coffee, internet, comfy bunks, large balcony with awesome view of the beach and Corfu. Just a hop skip and a jump from a nice beach with beach chairs and beach umbrellas free after 4 PM! Directions: A taxi from the port costs 3 euros. Otherwise, with your back to the Port turn left and continue on this coastal road (part tarmac and part dirt track) 1 km till you see a sign on the right: 'Pharmacy' and on the left 'Kasandro Restaurant' at the 'Apollonia Hotel' junction. Ask anyone along the coastal road for 'Apollonia Hotel'. From the map 'Andon Lapa Hotel' to 'Apollonia Hotel' is a 2/3 min walk. Above the 'Pharmacy' in the 10 storey lemon and orange building, look up to the 8th floor to see an Albanian flag hanging from their balcony. Go to the opposite side of this building to find the entrance. You can get a key to the building from the shop near the building entrance. Take the lift to the 8th floor. From the lift go left, and the 'Hairy Lemon' awaits you, behind the last door on the left!

• Jolly Hotel, Dhermi (on the boardwalk), ☎ 068-224-0334. This small beach village before reaching Sarande has a beautiful beach, and the Jolly Hotel has 4 person rooms for 20 to 25 euros per room (not person!). You can negotiate. The staff, food, room, and location are all great. 20euro. 

The luxury five star Hotel Butrint in Saranda is prohibitively expensive but very pretty. Another luxury hotel is "Hotel Duraku". The rooms are very comfortable and clean, and the staff is very qualified. It costs around 90euro/night for a family.
The simple yet nice Porto Eda Hotel.

• Holiday Apartments from locals, everywhere in and around Sarande. There are plenty of private houses, apartments offered by locals especially during the high season period. The accomodation offered ranges from low-budget to highly exclusive locations both for low and reasonably high prices. However, if you are traveling in a group of more than 2 people, it is worth a consideration. The apartments can usually accomodate up to 10 people and are much cheaper than a hotel. Furthermore, you can usually cook in the apartment and save some money for the outstanding night life of Sarande. But make sure to book your accomodation in advance, since most of the apartments get booked out very fast. 

For accomodation in Ksamil You can have a look at www.ksamiliapartments.com
Hotel ‘Dea’ tel 00355692724043 e-mail; hoteldea@gmail.com .Probably the best out there in Saranda,with 20 rooms all rooms view on the sea, 3 large suites,big swimming pool,bar restaurant reception 24h/24 private parking,it is only 1 km from the city center so you can just have a nice walk along the road Sarand-Butrinti and you are there

Llogara National Park

Llogara or Llogora National Park is a national park in Albania declared since 1966 by the Albanian Government. The park covers an area of 1,010 hectares (2,500 acres) and protects the forests on the north side of the Llogara Pass between a height from 470 to 2,018 m (1,540 to 6,621 ft) above sea level. In the park can be found many black pine (Pinus nigra) trees, Bosnian Pines (Pinus heldreichii), Bulgarian fir, (Abies borisii-sign) and ash trees (Fraxinus). Air currents around the area have caused trees to bend in many interesting shapes, like the Pisha e Flamurit

Ksamil Beach,Saranda

Dhermi

Jala Beach

Radhime

Restautants in Saranda

Dashi Sushi Bar 
The Dashi Sushi Bar is a Japanese restaurant that offers the best Japanese food in Saranda. Dashi Sushi Bar also offers a short but sumptuous list of Albanian dishes. The interior of the restaurant is clean and Zen-inspired. Dashi’s stir-fried noodle dish is a definite must-try, as is the restaurant's sushi. The service is a bit slow but the wait is definitely worth it. Dashi is also perfect for a nice family dinner.
Demi Restaurant
This restaurant is located just outside the town, on the road leading to Butrint and Ksamili. This restaurant serves some amazing seafood dishes but also serves pasta, chips, risotto and more. You can also choose to sit out in the terrace facing the bay and enjoy your meal. This restaurant is perfect if you are looking for a nice quiet place to enjoy a meal.
Paradise Iguana Club
The Paradise Iguana Club stands by its name, an ideal paradise hot spot to savor the freshest catch from the sea. This restaurant offers a seafront view, traditional Albanian cuisine and a great selection of wine and other alcoholic drinks. The Paradise Iguana Club is one of the popular restaurants in Saranda. The restaurant staff is well organized and provides excellent service. 
Pizzeria Limani
If you are looking for an Italian restaurant, look no further. The Pizzeria Limani offers the best Italian dishes in Saranda. You can expect your pizzas to be served the Italian way at this restaurant. The pizzas have super thin crust, authentic Italian tomato sauce and toppings and are baked in a wood-fire brick oven. Another wonderful feature of this restaurant is the dining area. Since this restaurant situated along the seafront and you can enjoy your meal overlooking the beautiful beach. You can expect super fast service at this restaurant. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of beer.

Hotels in Saranda

Hotel Butrinti

Butrinti Hotel in Saranda Albania. In the most attractive coast of Albania, in a part of the Mediterranean that has remained miraculously pure, in Saranda, there is Butrinti Hotel, located peacefully near the sea. The five star Hotel is a new structure in an area rich with traditions. In your return from the excursions in many sites of interest of Saranda, such as the citadel, the archeological site of Butrint or Ksamil, the hotel offers you the luxurious piano bar and pub ambient, where you may relax with the sounds of music and cocktails. The Bar, restaurant and the open air terrazzo and a cuisine that takes care of the breakfast, salads, traditional side dishes of the Albanian gastronomy. Butrint Hotel has an excellent geographical position, which makes it the ideal place to organize any kind of meetings. It has a well-equipped congress center, with conference and meeting rooms for cultural, sports, politics and business events, official dinners or for any kind of celebration. Work away the days pressure in our complete health club with modern exercise equipment. Take a relaxing swim in the pool, try a rejuvenating massage or sauna, and step into the great outdoors to run or take a spin on jogging and bike paths along sea side. The hotel offers excellent quality and comfort with rooms furnished elegantly, all equipped with TV-SAT Color, remote-control TV with in-room movie, telephone, security case, fridge-bar and air conditioner, high-speed Internet access, 24-hour Room Service, hair dryers, non-smoking and disability accessible rooms available. At guests' disposal: restaurant, bar, congress hall, inner guard parking, swimming pool, mini soccer, beach volley and fitness center. The Bar, restaurant and the open air terrazzo and a cuisine that takes care of the breakfast, salads, traditional side dishes of the Albanian gastronomy. Butrint Hotel has an excellent geographical position, which makes it the ideal place to organize any kind of meetings.

Hotel Saranda International

International hotel in Saranda Albania .You can spend your vacations here, it is a new construction in the middle of green grass and so close to the sea. It is composed of 24 rooms with view from the sea, 18 double rooms, 4 suite. All the rooms are furnished of Tv, bar, air conditioned, it is also possible parking, and the restaurant is available. It is only 20 m distant from the sea. In the new area of tourism Cuka channel. The Bar, restaurant and the open air terrazzo and a cuisine that takes care of the breakfast, salads, traditional side dishes of the Albanian gastronomy. The hotel offers excellent quality and comfort with rooms furnished elegantly, all equipped with TV-SAT Color, remote-control TV with in-room movie, telephone, security case, fridge-bar and air conditioner, high-speed Internet access, 24-hour Room Service, hair dryers, non-smoking and disability accessible rooms available. The Bar, restaurant and the open air terrazzo and a cuisine that takes care of the breakfast, salads, traditional side dishes of the Albanian gastronomy. At guests' disposal: restaurant, bar, congress hall, inner guard parking, mini soccer, beach volley and fitness center.

Hotel Grand Saranda

Hotel GRAND SARANDA is one of the fewest hotel located by the Ionian Sea, where one does not need to cross the street to the beach. As a balcony on the bay of Saranda and opposite the Greek isle of Corfu, GRAND HOTEL SARANDA offers the opportunity to enjoy the crystal clear water of Ionian Sea, the pool, the luxurious accommodation facilities, the traditional Albanian cuisine and the famous Mediterranean one. GRAND HOTEL SARANDA which was completely restored in 2007, is an incomparable opportunity to all those that seek relax, entertainment and beauty of nature. Saranda, the pearl of southern Albania with 2500 hours or 280-300 sunny days a year, makes GRAND HOTEL a miracle not only in the summer but all year long. Like an oasis in the city without winter, GRAND HOTEL SARANDA stands in the hart of natural, historical and archeological miracles of Albania, Butrinti, the Blue Eye, isles of Ksamil, Castle of Lekurs, monasteries of 40 saints and Mosopotami are maximally 15 minutes away from the hotel. GRAND HOTEL has 25 rooms, 9 single rooms, 7 double, 4 semi-suites and 5 suites. For groups, the hotel has a 70-persons capacity available. The rooms, almost above the sea, have bean furnished in elegant style. Each of them has private balcony, bathroom, shower, air conditioned, TV, fridge-bar, access to internet through wireless system, quality toilet products.The Bar, restaurant and the open air terrazzo and a cuisine that takes care of the breakfast, salads, traditional side dishes of the Albanian gastronomy. Grand Hotel has an excellent geographical position, which makes it the ideal place to organize any kind of meetings.

For more informations visit
www.albania-hotel.al/Saranda-Hotels.html

Delvina,Sarande

Delvinë  is a small town in Vlora County in southern Albania, 16 km northeast of Saranda. Delvinë is the seat of the Delvinë District. Delvinë has lost over a third of its citizens since 1990, having a population of 4,200 (2004 estimate).
The city is built on a mountain slope. It has a mosque, a Catholic church, a Protestant church, and an Orthodox church. Nearby are the remainders of a medieval castle. To the south west of the city is the site of ancient Phoenice, which was declared an Archaeological Park in 2005.
There is little local employment apart from that provided by the State, and Delvinë benefits little from the tourist boom in Saranda.
The town has a mixed population of Albanians and Greeks. The latter, according to the Human Rights Watch, constituted 50% in 1989 and 25% in 1999 of the town's population

Himare

 Himara

The Himara region is a strip approximately 20 km long by 5 km wide, bounded by the 2000 metre high Llogara mountains to the northeast (known in antiquity and in the local Greek dialect as the Ceraunian mountains and the Ionian Sea to the southwest. There are long white sandy beaches and the few hills close to the sea are terraced and planted with olive and citrus trees. The village of Himara offer very beautiful places to go.